Jennie Geisler: You’ll thank yourself for making a T-day game plan

Suddenly, inexplicably, we find ourselves two weeks and a day from Thanksgiving. All that hot weather in October had me in a timeless daze. I almost missed Halloween it was so balmy.

(Snort. As if I’d miss a day devoted to dressing up like a fool and consuming chocolate, pizza and beer.)

Either way, no matter how hard I squint at the calendar, here we are. I haven’t had time to cook much this week, but ideas for the big feast day have been piling up in my inbox and my brain is full. I figured there’s no time like the present to start thinking about a few things to help make that day a little easier and more delicious for everyone. I share a few of my favorite recipes from previous holiday seasons, and a list or two to get you thinking, whether you’re a host or guest, about how to make 2017 one to be thankful for.

Don’t worry. I won’t go wall-to-wall holidays through the new year. I know we have to eat a few meals in between as well. This past Saturday, for example, I got a chance to cook with some folks from the Turkish Cultural Center at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant. And I have simple, delicious recipes. So that’ll be a little different.

Until then, give yourself 20 minutes to scan these lists and stick the recipes on the fridge if they look good to you (or, better yet, farm them out to your family). The more you do now, the more you have to thank yourself for Nov. 23.